Love Poem: Xvii
Annabelle Jane Avatar
Written by: Annabelle Jane

Xvii

I always intended to love you
Alone.
In secret, in silence, inside, and safe.
I was prepared for the unrequited, for inevitable desire and disappointment,
Spectate, distance, move on,
And be the subject of a one-sided love.

And all the while, you meant each lingering glance to
Linger.
Our eyes knew how to talk before we ever spoke of love or lovers.
I inferred what was hidden there, untold.
I was right to assume, to hope that there was more,
For there was, is, and so it goes.

I love you. Still secret, but now not alone.
I am afraid of what this makes me, but fear knows blood like love knows blood.
And so, knowingly, I let you bleed as you make me
Love.
Don't stand so far away, although I know you must.
My first sleepless night without you.